What are the Best Study Tips for Taking the CCRN® Exam?

Congratulations!  You have decided it is time to get certified in your specialty.  Not only will you get a deeper understanding of knowledge in your field, but you’ll be a stronger nurse! Some hospitals even pay you an additional dollar/hour when you’re certified as an incentive. Cha-ching!

Before signing up, make sure you meet the basic requirements (1750 hours) completed in your speciality.

As an experienced Critical Care nurse, here is the advice I would give new nurses when thinking about taking the CCRN® exam.  Once you have a year under your belt, it is a GREAT time to start thinking about taking your exam. 

A Quick Reality Check

Let’s be honest, the CCRN® exam is not easy. You can’t just show up and hope for the best. Passing requires intentional, focused studying. The good news? With the right plan, it’s absolutely doable!

Study Tips for Taking & Passing the CCRN® Exam:

1. Take a Review Course

Invest in a quality CCRN® review course and a review book that includes practice questions. This will help you identify what you need to focus on for the exam.

2. Set a Test Date (and Commit to It!)

Choose an exam date you can realistically commit to. Having a deadline keeps you accountable and prevents endless procrastination.

3. Study Consistently for 3 Solid Weeks

Plan to study daily for at least three weeks before your exam. Consistent shorter study sessions are always better than cramming!

4. Practice Questions Are Essential

Do practice questions regularly and, most importantly, review the rationales, especially for the ones you miss.

5. Simulate the Real Exam

At least once, complete 150 practice questions in one sitting. This prepares you for what exam day will be like.

6. Use Mnemonics to Memorize Key Concepts

Some content simply needs to be memorized. Mnemonics can make this easier and fun! Nicole’s courses include catchy, easy-to-remember mnemonics that really stick.

For example, if you are a Star Wars fan, check out Nicole’s trick to remember the complications of Myocardial Infarction:

 Death
 Arrhythmias
 Regurgitation (valvular)
 Tamponade
 Heart failure, HYPOtension, shock

 Valve dysfunction
 Aneurysm (ventricular)
 Dressler Syndrome
 Embolism/Edema (pulmonary)
 Rupture (papillary muscle or ventricular/septal), Reinfarction (stent or graft closure)

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re serious about passing your exam, don’t miss Nicole Kupchik’s March 2026 Live CCRN® & PCCN® Review Webinar. This live review is taught to AACN Certification Test Plans and is fun and interactive.

It is comprised of 4 sessions, each session is 4 hours & 30 minutes with 2, 10-minute breaks. Each session will be recorded and offered on 2 separate dates, you can choose which date you would like to attend, or you can attend both!

Whether you’re preparing for the CCRN® or PCCN®, this live webinar gives you the guidance to help you walk into exam day confident and prepared.

👉 Spots fill quickly, be sure to register early HERE!

Good luck and remember YOU can do it! 💪